FEATURE ARTICLES

The Clinical Services Journal reports on research activity concerned with three areas: endoscopy practice, eczema in children, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) effectiveness for women who are pregnant.

Medical devices are a major feature of today’s healthcare delivery, but what happens if their use adversely affects the patients they are designed to help? JOHN BEESLEY looks at the regulations controlling the use of such devices and how best to comply with them.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS, technical editor of The Clinical Services Journal, reviews significant items of healthcare sector news.

New guidance from NCAS aims to restore doctors and dentists to safe professional practice following a period of absence.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) affect tens of thousands of patients in Europe annually, posing a massive drain on hospital budgeting. This year’s president of the Surgical Infection Society of Europe, Prof Dr REINHOLD FÜGGER, discusses causes, impact, and the use of InteguSeal, a new microbial sealant that could significantly reduce occurrence.

CSJ examines some recent studies comparing the effect of urine meter design on the risk of CAUTI, and takes a look into the practical use of a new model, the Unometer Safeti.

Following the licensing of rituximab for maintenance therapy NHL and first-line treatment, CSJ explores what this means for the 60,000 patients living with the condition.

Following the launch of the Health and Safety Executive’s management standards for work-related stress, BRIAN NATION reports on a recent update for representative bodies on plans for the next phase.

Healthcare watchdog, the Healthcare Commission, recently called for further improvements in NHS diagnostic services, following a national review that highlighted shortfalls in the area. In the same month, the Commission also urged a step up in efforts to improve the prescribing and dispensing of medicines.

A look at a new system developed to assist healthcare professionals involved in caring for patients who require vascular access devices.

Following the publication of one of the largest patient and carer surveys in the UK, two major European mental health organisations have joined forces in a call for action over the growing evidence that people with mental illness are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

New legislation to regulate the management of human organs was introduced recently. CSJ examines the background behind this development and in particular its impact on clinicians.

A round up of how the HPA is taking an active role in research and developments in the strive to keep healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) in check.

The battle against healthcare-acquired infections continues with a need for high level leadership and support, the Infection Control Nurses Association Conference, held recently in Brighton, was told. NICHOLAS MARSHALL reports.

Following on from the success of last year’s event, the annual Congress from the Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc) promises a full programme of events with experts from around the globe.

The performance management process is about more than keeping employees’ records up to date. DEBBIE LEE, director of Healthcare Standards International, explains how making sure it is right can deliver a more effective working environment for everyone.

The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) 42nd Annual Congress, held at Harrogate in October, underlined a variety of pressures currently impacting on those working in the operating theatre environment. LESLEY ADAIR and NICHOLAS MARSHALL report.

The UK’s leading patient advocate, HARRY CAYTON, has condemned the use of demeaning language in the NHS arguing that some language used shifts blame to patients.

The management of risk is at the heart of health and safety law. In this article, JOHN BEESLEY explores the duty of both employer and employee within perioperative care to ensure reasonable measures are being taken to promote patient safety and welfare of staff.

ComPaMED 2006, an international trade fair for components, parts and raw materials for medical manufacturing, will provide insights into a variety of new developments.